Dust to Glory (2005)

brilliant actors, brilliant editing

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

I was one of those that was actually waiting to see this film. I saw the trailers and was hooked. The film turned out great. It was on a cable movie channel tonight and I'm still picking up new things/lines from the movie. If you like great film-making and/or sports, this is a must see show. It's good to see some of the original racers are still involved in Baja. Even after 30 plus years! Malcom Smith was a hero of mine as a kid and is even more so now. The film shows the love/hate relationship with the Baja 1000. But it's mostly love, especially after the race is over. After the movie, ask yourself the same question that the film asks the racers. "Now what does Baja mean to you?" I came up with some of the same answers the racers did and I think you will too!

Dust To Glory is a documentary about the Baja 1000 road race. All the best in the road rally racers tell their stories about participating in the longest point to point road race in the world. Any vehicle can enter the race in different categories and start times. You get to know what kind of people participate and watch the annual event. Locals even get involved and sometimes get hurt right along with the riders as the roads are not closed off and anyone can use them during the race. While some parts are slow, there are definite thrills and a lot of interesting background. A good solid documentary for any sports or racing fan.

Wow. They nailed it. It was about us. All of us. It could be called a physical experience of a movie. It tugged your heart. It made you lean into the turns, and lean away from the bushes. There were more than enough sphincter clenches. There were knee slapping laughs, and head shaking sights. There was eye strain from trying to see through the silt. There were near misses, and solid hits. They touched everybody with this movie. Racers, chasers, sponsors, Mom's & Dads, locals, kids, dogs and a few ostriches. It's just great!Understand, I was looking forward to it from the get go. I had expectations, concerns, and a lot of curiosity. So as I sat down in the theater seat, I was hoping to be reminded of the experiences all my race car seats delivered. My biggest concern was that the producers would some how "Hollywood Up" the Baja 1000 and botch the thing.Now, as to the opposing views? Well, my guess is that others went into the theater with their own expectations, concerns and curiosity. Who in the race community would do otherwise? Their criticisms are quite valid. As are the opinions on what the movie contained and why. Anyone who has experienced their own Baja 1000, and then experiences this movie will compare the two. I did. And everyone else did. We all take it very personally.I believe that was one of the major challenges facing Dana Brown. He is not a racer, and knows it. He does understand the visceral element of being involved in an endeavor beyond the casual participant level. Our Baja 1000 is to us what surfing is to him. It is clear to me that he respects the importance of what we all do when we are involved in the Baja 1000. Naturally, he had other challenges to address. He and his group were making a film. Not a class project, but an investment. One that they hope will return profit. And, they had to capture it live. In real time. No "take two!". While we represent an important audience to them, we are but one of many audiences they must consider for this movie. They too are important. Just not as well informed. Not as experienced in the Baja 1000. Not personally involved.I choose to accept Dust To Glory as delivered. It's not as perfect as it would be if I were in charge of course. But then again, I'm one of the inmates. BB "Life Is A One Lap Race"

To me this movie had more passion that almost any movie I had seen, especially in a documentary. This movie truly showed that the Baja Race wasn't about anything, but passion and love of family and pushing yourself to that ultimate limit. The cinematography in this movie, like Dana's previous film, (stepping into liquid) was amazing. It truly made me feel as if I was watching/inside of the Baja race. It was as if I could taste the sand in my teeth as they were riding through the silt beds and I can smell the ocean breeze when they were skidding along the beaches.I knew little to nothing about the Baja Race, but coming away from this movie I am in awe of the passion and the love of something so intense that you are willing to risk your life for it. There isn't a lot of people out there that would do this, not only entering into a competition, but also watching it.I would recommend this movie to anyone that gets an opportunity or a glimpse of this awe-inspiring movie.